So many illnesses start with inflammations these days that, when I saw this book, I thought there might be some interest in seeing what is being done to cut down on anti-inflammations, not with meds but with our diets. So, join me as I see what these experts have to say to advise us on beating inflammations through our foods.

The author said she didn’t actually set out to be a tip aficionado but it began with her publishing her Debt-Proof Living newsletter (formerly Cheapskate Monthly) and invited readers to share their best money- and time-saving tips. She said they arrive printed on napkins, on snippets torn from newspapers, phone, fax and email messages or buried in the middle of long letters. There were so many!! So, she published her first book, Tiptionary, in 1997, which was a big hit. Since 1997, the world has changed A LOT! She worked with Revell Books to get out this new edition -- Cheaper, Better, Faster.

Cross has written this book “to help beginners understand the basics of backpacking and the more complex aspects of outdoor travel.” It serves well as a ‘brush up’ manual for more experienced hikers as well. He says, “Safe and enjoyable backpacking not only requires basic skills but

Editor’s Note: This is an absolutely excellent book written on a very difficult subject. While we cannot verify all this information, the author not only did a tremendous amount of research, he planned the book in a coherent and cohesive manner that allows the reader to get to the information in an organized way. The book is well-edited and we recommend it as an unusually efficient and

We are going to start running a column each month about a good book, story or article on the outdoors which we hope will be of interest and, especially, will be helpful to you in your outdoor pursuits.

Since this is Halloween month, the book this month is quite unusual but you may find it extremely interesting if you are into the occult, the Read More...

EDITOR’S CHOICE BOOK REVIEW

By: Carol Hardin

This month, we are reviewing DIY SOLAR HEATER (Build and Use a Solar Air Heater For Less Than You Think) by Michael Smart, available at Amazon.com.

As I am writing this, we are experiencing a very real “deep freeze” so this book seems especially appropriate! The author said he wrote the book because of his cold winter days in northern Indiana. He called this “Snowmageddon.” Because his neighbor had built a very makeshift Solar Heater and kept him and several of his neighbors warm during a power outage, he said he learned two important things: 1) the vulnerability of the grid and traditional utility heating and, 2) a way around that vulnerability: READ MORE...

A Book Review of "The Bushcraft, Trapping, Foraging and Cooking in the Wild"

Available through Amazon.com

By Carol Hardin

This issue, we will be discussing the book: THE BUSHCRAFT: TRAPPING, FORAGING & COOKING IN THE WILD by Steven Wester (available through Amazon). The author starts the book by saying “The main thing that you need to know about bushcraft is the fact that, like any other craft, you get out of it what you put into it. It takes time, practice and repetition to be able to succeed READ MORE...

EDITOR’S CHOICE BOOK REVIEW

By Carol Hardin

CAMPING RECIPES, Foil Packet Cooking by Bonnie Scott(available at Amazon) is the book I chose to review for this month. It has 100 foil pocket recipes for campfires and grills (or just to make in your oven at home, if you like.)

First the author gives some good tips:

Don’t be frugal with the amount of foil you use. It is much better to have too much than to use too little and have your food running into the fire. You can always fold over extra.

Spraying the foil with non-stick cooking spray (like Pam) works so well to keep your food from sticking!